Vizag Development Council seeks removal of ‘illegal’ statues

Vizag Development Council (VDC) has sought the “immediate” removal of “illegal” statues in the city. Citing that these statues have been installed without permission, VDC has requested GVMC to take the necessary steps in this regard.

“We request the municipal corporation to remove all statues which are installed without permission,” an official note from the VDC read. A Supreme Court order, which banned the installation of such statues, was also cited in this regard.

“State Government shall not grant any permission for installation of any statue or construction of any structure in public roads, pavements, sideways and other public utility places. Obviously, this order shall not apply to the installation of high mast lights, street lights or construction relating to electrification, traffic, toll, or for development and beautification of the streets, highways, roads, etc. and relating to public utility and facilities,” an order from the Supreme Court of India read.

Voices have been raised against the installation of such “illegal” statues in Vizag. It may be noted that GVMC, following High Court’s order, recently removed the statues of Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Dasari Narayana Rao and Nandamuri Harikrishna at Beach Road in Vizag. The three statues, which were unveiled by TDP leader Ganta Srinivasa Rao in December last year, raised several eyebrows as they were installed without any permission from the concerned authorities.